In Shock

My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope

By: Dr. Rana Awdish

Narrated by: Dr. Rana Awdish, Teri Schnaubelt

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In Shock is a riveting first-hand account from a young critical care physician, who in the passage of a moment is transfigured into a dying patient. This transposition, coincidentally timed at the end of her medical training, instantly lays bare the vast chasm between the conventional practice of medicine and the stark reality of the prostrate patient.

Hauntingly perceptive and beautifully written, it allows the listener to transform alongside her, and watch what she discovers in our carefully cultivated, yet often misguided standard of care. The author demonstrates through engaging narrative and laser-sharp wit how the unbearable is borne. She comes to understand the fatal flaws in her profession and in her own past actions as a physician. She also achieves, through unflinching presence, a crystalline vision of a new and better possibility.

Using her exceptional recall, Awdish fashions an elegant, yet urgent call to action. As she finds herself up against the same self-protective partitions she was trained to construct as a medical student and physician, she artfully illuminates the dysfunction of disconnection. Shatteringly personal, and yet wholly universal, she offers a brave roadmap for anyone navigating illness. At the same time, she presents physicians with a new paradigm and rationale for embracing the emotional bond between doctor and patient. All told, she cogently outlines the redemptive possibilities of dismantling the barriers to connection in all relationships.

©2017 Rana Awdish (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Published by arrangement with St. Martin's Press.

Read this book!

This book tells Dr. Rana’s journey while it educates on the ways and importance of health care providers listening to and communicating with patients with emotional intelligence.

great teaching from the dark side of healthcare.

this was a book that I was initially apprehensive about reading. as a physician I too am a human and had suffered a life-changing event. not to the degree of the author but none the less I was a patient among other physicians and nursing staff. I learned from the patient side of my ordeal how to be a better doctor to my patients and my staff. this book had a lot of insight, as well as teaching. I suggest this book for both healthcare professionals as well as patients, and the public, to get a better understanding of both sides of the medical line. I feel for the author and I'm glad that she was able to survive her ordeal(s) and share with us her trials and successes.

Thank you

Thank you for sharing your story!Thank you for working Your story should be a mandatory read for Medical staff, as well as, nursing and support staff!
- a nurse with 40 yrs experience and 1 personal experience of hospitalization for severe sepsis (long before it was getting the national attention it is (thankfully) getting now).

A Long and Winding Road

This long, painful, difficult, winding, circuitous route to recovery was a challenge to endure. It is a compelling and fascinating book, but the perilous treatments that the author had to undergo to regain her health was grueling even to listen to. As suggested in one review I read, this book should be mandatory reading for any and all medical students BEFORE they are granted a license to practice medicine. As a patient, this book is enlightening as to the pitfalls that await you with many doctors who may or may NOT have your best interests at heart. Or even if they do, they can be overwhelmed by the demands of their profession, the insurance industry, their own family and their sleep-deprived body. It inspires the reader to always seek a second opinion or third if a medical diagnosis just doesn't fit with how you are feeling, or what your instincts are trying to tell you. Do not allow your intuition to be automatically dismissed by a doctor or family member as an over-reaction or denial. Check with another practitioner. Find one that will work with you, whatever your need is.

Requires Reading

Dr. Awdish literally breaths life into the root of patients trauma that is often and unknowingly caused by the people meant to help. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone, but the knowing, it would change everything. This book should be required reading for EVERY provider and those who teach new providers. "Once you know better, you do better" - Maya Angelou Thank you Dr. Awdish for such an incredible journey into you life. I hope to bring your experience with me as we begin teaching a new way in Obstetrics.

Excellent!

Very moving and insightful story on both a personal, and professional level. As a Healthcare provider, there was much I could take away from this for the benefit of others - thank you!

LOVE

Love. This was a requirement for my Critical Care nursing class. I enjoyed this book and finished it in less than 2 days. Recommend to all!

A-mazing!

The story is captivating and relatable on so many different levels. Thank you for sharing your journey.

A must read for anyone in the medical field.

This was harrowing to listen to. Anyone that works or has worked in the medical field would benefit (as would our patients) from reading/listening this book. This reminded me of working in the ICU as a Resident and the desperate attempts to "not get emotional", because somehow that meant you were a better doctor? This was a wonderful and fast listen because you just cannot shut it off.

Great read for physicians

Wonderful book for physicians to read. Paints a great perspective from the patient and also as a physician. Will change the way I communicate with my patients.